Reef Discussion

[Aspidites]

I was wondering why the growth rate on my zoas and chalices had slowed. In the case of the chalices it has reversed. Starting to see skeleton! I bought some kits and they were saying things weren't so bad.
It turns out that user error is to blame...... here are my params. (For what I tested)
Alk 5.6dkh!!!!!!
Cal 480ppm
Mag 1600ppm
So I have decided to add some Alk in hopes that it will also help with my super high mag levels.
I have made 3l of Alk suppliment and will slowly drip it into the tank and see where thing go.

 

[Rob]

For interest sake, how slow are you planning ? in what size DT....

 

[MagicJ]

Take it slow!!

I would be adding 250ml over a few days and then do another test to see what effect it has had.

 

[Aspidites]

I have a 400l system. Over night I have dripped in about 80ml. Too fast for my liking. My xenia seems to be a bit sulky but it has not been happy for a while. (I wonder why?)
I slowed the rate by about a third this morning.

 

[MagicJ]

What are you aiming for?

 

[Aspidites]

OH CRAP!!
My wife thought she was being helpfull and openned up the drip rate. I now have used just under 400ml in two days!!
I have now turned the drips off.

On the bright side my Alk is higher. 9.5 dkh which is about 1dkh higher than I was aiming for, I just needed it to get there slower.

So far, touch wood, 1 colony of zoas has closed and yes, it is 1 that I really don't want to loose.
We shall see what, if any problems a decent Alk swing will cause.

 

[Aspidites]

What are you aiming for?

I think I want it to get somewhere around 7.5 to 8.5. I mainly have zoas, chalice and would like maybe 1 or 2 nice acros just for some height so I think that would be around what I need.
I have never really tested anything before, have always relied on water changes to fix issues but its time to get serious! :D

 

[MagicJ]

Consistency is the key for alkalinity, not necessarily a specific number.

 

[Aspidites]

Whatever is going on, here are a few zoas that haven't openned for two months. (Since I recieved them as fresh cut frags

this guy has doubled in size. It seems to have more flesh if that makes sense

once I can maintain my Alk at a stable level I shall takle the cyano.:D